Press Release Provided by the State Water Contractors
On March 28th, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order requiring urban public water agencies to increase their efforts to combat this unrelenting drought by activating their individual Water Shortage Contingency Plans to a minimum of Level 2. The Order also directs the State Water Resources Control Board to consider a ban on wasteful watering of decorative grass around commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. The move is a reflection of the seriousness of this extended drought and comes on the heels of decreasing water allocations to State Water Project contractors to five percent plus health and human safety on March 18, 2022 in response to limited state water supplies.
Statement from Jennifer Pierre, General Manager of the State Water Contractors:
“This is a serious drought that requires serious action. We learned a lot from the last drought, in addition to the increased drought planning requirements and responsible preparation that were put in place, the Governor is wisely focusing on local shortage contingency plans with today’s Executive Order.
Urban water agencies throughout the State have Water Shortage Contingency Plans that can be activated right away to ensure conservation and other actions consistent with their region’s unique circumstances.
Managing through this drought requires each and every Californian to reduce their water usage. The Governor’s Order today recognizes the diversity of California communities and their water supply conditions. Ordering agencies to exercise their specific plans strikes that important balance of statewide needs and local action.”
